Iraqi security forces have arrested four wanted for terrorism and drug and antiquities trafficking in Muthanna and Babylon. Iraq’s General Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DGIS) of the Ministry of Defense reported the arrests.
According to the statement, “under the guidance and supervision of the Minister of Defense, Thabet al-Abbasi, and within the continuation of the implementation of qualitative operations, the detachments of the Muthanna Intelligence and Security Directorate were able to arrest three wanted by the judiciary, one on charges of terrorism and two on trafficking and promotion of narcotics in the province, against whom arrest warrants were issued in accordance with the provisions of articles (4 / terrorism, 28 drugs).”
Iraq’s security forces remain proactive in launching various anti-terror measures amid the persistent threat the country faces from ISIS and extremist groups. The U.S.- trained and funded counter-terrorism service-CTS is currently considered the effective military unit, which has combated terrorism in the country. Standing at about 14,000 personnel, this force has been so important in a series of combating operations against ISIS, but a challenge to counter corruption and even infiltration by militia groups backed by Iran.
The CTS has undertaken comprehensive operations aimed at neutralizing ISIS cells, mainly in locations such as the Hamrin Mountains. Airstrikes and ground assaults were directed to kill leading terrorists and undermine their structure. Iraq’s government is preparing its legislation that can fortify the framework on countering terrorism; the draft for the Anti-Terrorism Law will support operational action against the terrorist organizations but political reasons delayed the enactment.
As part of its mandate to defeat ISIS, NATO is also supporting the security forces in Iraq with training and capacity-building initiatives. New technologies and strategies are developed together to combat new ways that terrorists will adapt. Initiatives to incorporate women into the anti-terrorism endeavors, strengthening their presence in law enforcement and judicial procedures, are undertaken with the intent to fortify the response system overall.
